The unconscious no sooner touches us than we are it―we…
““The unconscious no sooner touches us than we are it―we become unconscious of ourselves. That is the age-old danger, instinctively known and feared by primitive man, who himself stands so very close to this pleroma. His consciousness is still uncertain, wobbling on its feet. It is still childish, having just emerged from the primal waters. A wave of the unconscious may easily roll over it, and then he forgets who he was and does things that are strange to him. Hence primitives are afraid of uncontrolled emotions, because consciousness breaks down under them and gives way to possession. All man's strivings have therefore been directed towards the consolidation of consciousness. This was the purpose of rite and dogma; they were dams and walls to keep back the dangers of the unconscious, the "perils of the soul." Primitive rites consist accordingly in the exorcising of spirits, the lifting of spells, the averting of the evil omen, propitiation, purification, and the production by sympathetic magic of helpful occurrences.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The unconscious can overwhelm conscious awareness, prompting rituals to protect the mind.
In simple terms: Unconscious can destabilize us; rituals protect.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate awareness of inner forces.
Themes
psychology
consciousness
ritual
fear
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- meditation
- cultural rites
Key Concepts
unconscious mind
integration
spiritual safety
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance inner exploration with safety?
- What practices help you stay grounded?
A Different Perspective
Rituals may limit personal growth if overly rigid.